In memoriam: Celso-Ramon Garcia, M.D. (1922–2004), reproductive medicine visionary

Jerome F Strauss,Luigi Mastroianni

doi:10.1186/1743-1050-2-2

Abstract

This article traces the career of Celso-Ramon Garcia (1922–2004), noted physician, educator, and internationally renowned pioneer in the field of reproductive endocrinology. His work helped to formulate oral contraceptives used by millions of women throughout the world. Garcia's research collaborators included Gregory Pincus and John Rock, who together finalized the landmark clinical data needed to secure initial FDA approval for "the pill" in 1960. In addition to Garcia's monumental work in contraceptive endocrinology, his scholarly interests encompassed physiology of the menopause, minimally invasive reproductive surgery, as well as psychological aspects of infertility. Closely identified with the University of Pennsylvania, Garcia was instrumental in establishing the first formal clinical program in reproductive biology and influenced countless young scientists whose training he supervised and mentored. His distinguished career was emblematic of the best of the medical profession, characterized by compassion, intellect, and a sincere desire to help others. Our manuscript outlines Garcia's wide range of interests, acknowledges his superior fund of knowledge, and honors his humanitarian spirit – all of which contributed to an impressive legacy of medical discoveries. The impact of Prof. Garcia's work will continue to be felt for many years.

Highlights

Celso-Ramon Garcia (Figure 1), who departed this world in 2004 at the age of 82, was a remarkable human being who did much to shape the specialty of reproductive medicine as it is known today
Garcia was raised speaking Spanish, but his English diction and elocution were so honed by his teachers in grammar and high school that hardly a trace of accent was left to be detected by the Boston Brahmans he would later encounter
His work presaged several important developments in the field of reproductive medicine. Garcia began his career with an interest in obstetrics, but ended up conducting

Summary

Introduction

Celso-Ramon Garcia (Figure 1), who departed this world in 2004 at the age of 82, was a remarkable human being who did much to shape the specialty of reproductive medicine as it is known today. (page number not for citation purposes) http://www.jexpclinassistreprod.com/content/2/1/2 clinical research on contraception that on more than one occasion was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. After a year of pathology residency and a year as a research fellow, Garcia transferred to the obstetrics and gynecology program at Cumberland Hospital.

Results

Conclusion